286. On trams and trains impassioned debates: Australian Cyclist, February 11, 1904.
286. To-Night-To Night cycling championship of the world, Meeting of the worlds cycling giants!!” Advertisement: Major Taylor scrapbook March 4, 1904 Indianapolis History Museum.
286. “Major Taylor is not invincible” “200 wins-only 12 losses” Australian Cyclist and Motor Car World: February 11, 1904.
287. “Major Taylor Carnival” Australian Cyclist: February 18, 1904; Major Taylor scrapbook Indianapolis History Museum.
287. Extra turnstiles: UASP.
287. seventy-five bookmakers: Mansfield News, May 5, 1904.
287. Most influential people: The Lowell Sun, February 12, 1904.
287. “with McFarland out of it Lawson’s feeding bottle was dry” Major Taylor autobiography p. 344; The Referee: January 27, 1904.
287. “He seems to be useless without him. Major Taylor autobiography: p. 344.
287. “I felt doubly sure I could defeat Lawson on even terms every time we started.” Ibid-p. 402.
287. “Whatever you do, do not let Taylor win.” Ibid-p. 403.
287. “he’s a fine game nigger, but he won’t come out in this race” The Referee: March 1904.
288. Lawson in pink gown: UASP.
288. Collision, Taylor goes unconscious from accident: The Town & Country Journal: February 18, 1904.
289. “that’s the most treacherous thing I have ever seen” Major Taylor autobiography p. 403.
289. “Lawson will go out for life for this.” Ibid-p. 403.
289. “It looked like murder” Ibid-p. 403.
289. Lawson claiming it was Taylor’s fault: Mansfield, News, May 5, 1904.
289. “yells, hoots, groans and threats of dismemberment.” Australian Cyclist: February 18, 1904.
289. “no race” Australian Cyclist and Motor Car World: February 18, 1904.
290. “Major Taylor’s injury in Australia is likely to deprive the track”: The Mansfield News: March 14, 1904.
290. Lawson, McFarland leave for Adelaide, MacFarland wins six consecutive races: The Town & Country Journal: February 1904, Punch: February 25, 1904.
290. track officials examine scar marks over fifteen feet of track: Major Taylor autobiography p. 403.
290. Emergency meeting Port Phillip Hotel, twenty witnesses: Ibid-p. 358.
290. What rubbish the public is asked to follow” Ibid-p. 360 quoting unknown Melbourne paper.
290. Lawson boards Melbourne express: The Referee: March 2, 1904.
291. “Chairman Callaghan decision; your hereby suspended from racing anywhere in the world for one year.” Major Taylor autobiography p. 358.
291. “All things considered Lawson may consider himself lucky he is not wanted in Australia…” Ibid-p. 358.
291. McIntosh escorts Lawson to ship to see him off: The Referee: March 16, 1904.
291. “And this is what they call justice” The Referee: March 2, 1904.
291. “He was taking meals off the mantelpiece” The Referee: March 9, 1904.
291. “Taylor’s injuries are even more serious” The Mansfield News: March 14, 1904 Major Taylor autobiography p. 360.
291. “He will carry the sears in his buttock and arms the rest of his life” The Referee: March 2, 1904.
292. “Some of your officials have all along entertained a disgusting prejudice against me” The Town and Country Journal: April 27, 1904: The Referee: April 27, 1904.
292. “I am not a petrol machine, I am flesh and blood like the rest of you.” The Sportsman: April 17, 1903.
292. “dealt with” The Referee: April 27, 1904.
292. “keep your eyes open” The Town & Country Journal: April 13, 1904.
292. “the entire field was going after me with a vengeance. I am frightened to race. The Referee: April 20, 1904.
292. “After what happened . . . the combinations and tricks employed in order to prevent him from winning has been heartbreaking.” Ibid.
292. “We can’t have the same man winning all the time” Keith Dunstan Sports: The Pedaling Passion, 1973 p. 269.
293. Thirty two thousand fans at Sydney Thousand: The Referee: March 3, 1904.
293. “Rather than submit to a licking by Major Taylor he has taken the rather undignified course of backing out of the match altogether. “ The Referee: March 30, 1904; Major Taylor autobiography p. 375.
293. “While the giants were still winded after their ride, he would lay them out one at a time” Frank Van Straten: Huge Deal: The Fortunes and Follies of Hugh D. McIntosh, p. 16, sourcing Smith’s Weekly: August 27, 1938.
293. “you bastard” Ibid-p. 14.
293. Keep your fist to yourself MacFarland” Ibid-p. 14.
293. “you can’t fight any better than you can ride” Ibid.
293. MacFarland three year suspension: The Referee: April 13, 1904.
293. “I was robbed” New York Times: June 2, 1904.
293. Lawson suspension one year: Punch March 18, 1904; Clipping Major Taylor scrapbook Indianapolis History Museum.
293. “It was injustice”: UASP.
294. “If these are carried out much further nearly all riders will be disbarred” Major Taylor autobiography p. 383 quoting unknown Australian paper.
294. “It was a strange revelation for me to note how McFarland’s victorious campaign”: Ibid:-p. 337.
294. “It is said that other riders with whom McFarland and Lawson were intimate, have taken up their quarrel.” Ibid-p. 399.
294. “I will never race in South Australia again.” The Referee: April 27, 1904.
294. Sydney birth announcement: The Referee: May 18, 1904.
294. “Had been awaiting certain interesting developments” Major Taylor autobiography p. 406.
294. “start him on his fast career to championship fame and glory.” Ibid-p. 406.
294. “of course he was going to be a champion bicycle rider.” Ibid.
295. “Would make me the proud recipient of the greatest prize of them all.” Worcester Telegram: July 6, 1904.
295. Sydney Taylor lives 102 years old: obituary, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 13, 2005.
295. June 6th Taylor’s Don Walker departure Australia on Samoa: The Referee: June 8, 1904.
295. Hugh McIntosh and dignitaries present for sendoff: Ibid.
295. 1904 was the single most amazing season of cycle racing in the history of Australia: Jim Fitzpatrick: Major Taylor Down Under on Tracks of Glory, p. 4.
295. Taylor brings home cockatoos, parrots and wallaby: The Referee: June 6, 1904.
295. “It’s all such a disgrace” Major Taylor autobiography p. 396; quoting unknown Melbourne newspaper.
296. Being turned away in San Francisco hotels & restaurants: Major Taylor autobiography p. 408
296. “Not my kind of hotels.” The San Francisco Call, June 28, 1904.
296. “So this is the America about which you have been boasting in Australia”: Ibid-p. 408.
296. Taylor expert boxer flattens man insulting Daisy: Andrew Ritchie: The Extraordinary Career of a Champion Bicycle Racer: Author Interview with Sydney Taylor Brown p. 202-203.
297. “Took the heart out of him.” Worcester Telegram: July 31, 1904.
297. “I suffered a collapse” “This was caused by my recent strenuous campaign in Australia augmented by the incidental worries of life.” Major Taylor autobiography p. 410; The Chicago Defender: May 29, 1948.
297. Death of Taylor’s father: The Freeman, July 30, 1904. It’s unclear exactly when Taylor first learned of his father’s death.
** One year suspension for Lawson reduced to three months: The Referee: April 6, 1905.
** Iver Lawson wins 1904 World Championship: New York Times: September 11, 1904.
Chapter 21
299. Coquille sues for $10,000: Major Taylor autobiography p. 410.
300. “Little did they realize the great physical strain . . .” Ibid-p. 420.
300. April 1905 $35 spe
eding fine: Andrew Ritchie: The Extraordinary Career of a Champion Bicycle Racer, p. 205.
300. Taylor in auto accident $1000 damages: Boston Daily Globe: July 12, 1905.
300. “auto hospital” Ibid: May 19, 1906.
301. Poem: Taylor’s autobiography, p. 426.
302. “You may take a break but you’ll always come back” VeloNews: Mike Schatzman; May 28, 2007.
302. Coquille personal meeting: Major Taylor autobiography p. 410.
302. “I wanted the suit ended…” Ibid.
302. “free from the chance of losing such a sum of money” Ibid.
303. 1907 Average Life expectancy black male 32.5 years: www.cdc.gove/nchs/date/dvs/nvsr52_14t12.pdf DL April 19, 2007.
303. “I advised him to do it” L’ Auto: April 2, 1907.
303. La Touraine French Liner warned titanic www.greatoceanliners.com DL April 19, 2007.
303. “THE RESURECTION OF THE NEGRO” L’Auto: March 7, 1907.
303. Peugeot bicycle sponsor: The Evening Telegram: July 29, 1907.
303. “Le Negre Volant” L’Auto: April 20, 1907: “Major Taylor est arrive!”
303. “Major Taylor is with us once more” La Vie au Grand Air: May 11, 1907.
304. “You look as if you have put on weight” Robert Coquille: L’ Auto: April 2, 1907.
304. May 9, 1907 loss to Poulain: The Washington Post: May 10, 1907.
304. “Had his stock traded on Wall Street . . .” Author interview: Jack Visceo Cycling Hall of Famer, January 2006
305. “just say the word, I’m just striking my winning form” Major Taylor autobiography p. 412.
305. “I did not want to leave Europe” Ibid-p. 412.
305. Taylor beats 6 Champions from five countries: New York Times: September 2, 1907.
305. “In all our great match races…” Major Taylor autobiography p. 414.
306. “We had the last laugh and the papers were profuse in their apologies for rushing to conclusions” Ibid-p. 415.
306. : 25 2/5 and: 42 1/5 records at Buffalo track: Ibid-p. 413.
306. “Once he got going he cleaned them all up” Worcester Telegraph: October 25 1909.
306. “the most extraordinary, the most versatile, the most colorful…” Robert Coquille and Paul Hamelle. Major Taylor, Ses Debuts, Sa Carriere, Sa Vie, Ses Aventures. Paris, 1904.
306. “Birdie Munger in Paris on business” Andrew Ritchie: The Extraordinary Career of a Champion Bicycle Racer, p. 208.
307. “The advancing years have put on him the handicap which nothing can beat out” Worcester Telegram: October 25, 1909.
Chapter 22
309. Daisy raising Sydney at home with maids and servants: Steve Levin, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; Obituary: Sydney Taylor Brown, May 18, 2005.
310. “I was obliged to break my rule…” Major Taylor autobiography p. 410.
310. “I did not expect that, for I believed Taylor would stick to his decision not to race on Sunday’s until he died” Boston Globe: June 21, 1900.
310. Daisy my dear wife…everything is beautiful but the weather: Letter date unknown Major Taylor scrapbook Indianapolis State Museum.
311. “only a few lines to say that I did not do as well” Ibid, letter June 14, 1909.
311. “I failed again in the Grand Prix of Buffalo” Ibid, letter August 1, 1909.
311. Net worth approximately $75,000; Andrew Ritchie: The Extraordinary Career of a Champion Bicycle Racer, p. 220.
311. “I am so pleased that you are a home loving girl” Major Taylor scrapbook Indianapolis State Museum, letter date unknown.
311. “now dearie, about coming home” Ibid, letter August 15, 1909.
312. Taylor meets with McIntosh in Paris: Worcester Telegram: October 25, 1909.
312. “gates of 50,000-60,000 were commonplace”: Sporting Globe: August 12, 1939.
312. “he was almost as good a preacher as he was a cyclist” Ibid.
313. “I am getting down to weight slowly” Major Taylor scrapbook, Indianapolis State Museum, letter date unknown.
313. “I rode yesterday against Poulain, Meyers and Arend” Ibid: letter date unknown.
313. “Why don’t you write any more dearie . . . its been almost two weeks” Ibid, letter August 9, 1909.
314. “My darling little Sydney, here is a letter and some post cards” Ibid, letter August 5, 1909.
314. “I am going to make one more desperate attempt” Ibid, letter August 28, 1909.
315. “Well dearie, I had a talk with Coquille about next season” Ibid, letter October 1, 1909.
316. Taylor double victory over Charles Dupre: Worcester Telegram: October 25, 1909. **This was Taylor’s last European race, he did take part in insignificant races in United States in 1910.**
316. “in my opinion, he’s the greatest racing cyclist in the world” Sporting editor of unknown Sydney Australia newspaper; Major Taylor autobiography p. 423-424.
316. “It is not likely that we shall look on his like again” Ibid.
316. “In his prime, Jacquelin was a faster rider than any of the men on the wheel today” Worcester Telegram: October 25, 1909.
317. Taylor boards La Provence in Harve for stormy ride home: Ibid.
317. “say dearie, how anxiously I am counting every minute” Major Taylor scrapbook Indianapolis State Museum, letter October 1, 1909.
317. “It seemed as if it would be its last” Worcester Telegram: October 25, 1909.
317. “Orchestra playing music” Ibid.
317. “When the nose of the ship pointed down after climbing over an immense wave it seemed as if it would never point upward again” Ibid.
Chapter 23
319. Munger’s exploits, car problems, driving day and night with stops only for meals and repairs getting to the old timers race: Newark Evening News: September 17, 1917 p. 14.
319. “The rheumatic stakes for aged bikers” Ibid; September 15, 1917 p. 16.
320. “some of the champions competed during Lincoln’s first administration” Ibid.
320. “Few had seen such highly developed beer muscles” Ibid.
320. “One of the articles of agreement is that all wheels be shrouded in cob webs” Ibid.
320. “with both feet” Ibid.
320. Stands filled to capacity 12, 500 spectators day of old timers race: Peter Nye: Hearts of Lions, p. 99.
320. Taylor telling a reporter he would never invest in risky investments: New York Sun.
320. Being turned down at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute: Peter Nye: Hearts of Lions, p. 81.
320. Taylor loses $15,000 in automobile tire business: Worcester Telegram: December 17, 1926.
320. Other wealthy investors including old bike sponsor Iver Johnson: Ibid.
320. Picture Taylor old-timer race: Ibid.
320. Taylor wins old-timer race: Oneonta Star.
321. “Well Birdie, you started me in my first race and you’re starting me in my last race.” Newark Evening News; September 17, 1917.
321. “No rider before or since his day ever developed a stretch the equal of Taylor’s”: Newark Evening News: September 15, 1917.
321. “He received a greater ovation then I or anyone else, he was one of the greatest athletes of all time” Ted Carrol: Our Sport Magazine, August 1953 p. 17. DL www.majortaylor.com January 17, 2007.
322. Peered inside the window of Magay and Barrons 368 Main Street: Worcester Daily Telegram: December 17, 1926.
322. Taylor’s resettle into apartment 14 Blossom Street: Ibid.
322. “VOICE OF PRAISE FOR MAJOR TAYLOR” Worcester Telegram: December 24, 1926.
323. Fund set up by Harry Worcester Smith: Ibid.
323. Famous horse jockey Earl Sande: Major Taylor autobiography: p. 429.
323. “I believe Major Taylor, the black man needs an interested and friendly audience more than ever…” Worcester Telegram: December 17, 1926.
323. “I wish it were more, but a five year illness has left me…” Worceste
r Evening Gazette: December 24, 1926.
323. “a friend” Ibid.
323. John Hancock Insurance Company contribution to fund: Ibid.
323. “I think the response to my appeal . . .” Worcester Sunday Telegram: December 26, 1926 p. 12.
323. “The black man racing against whites . . .” Worcester Telegram: December 17, 1926.
324. Having arrived at that time of life when I find myself more inclined to reminisce: Worcester Telegram: December 24, 1926.
324. Taylor contribution to San Francisco earthquake victims: Major Taylor autobiography p. 409.
324. Verse of Matthew: Matthew 25:36, New International Version.
324. Mrs. Harry Worcester Smith: please tell the Major: Worcester Telegram: December 24, 1926.
324. Fund grew to $1000: Worcester Telegram: December 24, 1926.
324. Apart from a good cocktail: Ibid.
325. Picture Taylor thick overcoat, bowler hat: Ibid: December 18, 1926.
325. “his humiliation was his fuel” www.findarticles.com Article; Lance Armstrong & Major Taylor: A century and a World Apart, Cycling’s two legends show courage in motion-Sports Trailblazers DL April 10, 2007.
325. “I’m in need of rest, wish all my friends a Merry Christmas” Worcester Telegram: December 26, 1926.
325. “The years have a trick of crowding a man” Ibid: December 18, 1926.
325. Daisy miscarriage: Andrew Ritchie: The Extraordinary Career of a Champion Bicycle Racer; Author interview with Sydney Taylor Brown p. 229.
326. “the neatest dresser you have ever seen…” Author Interview: Worcester resident Francis Jesse Owens August 10, 2006.
326. “Major Taylor does not appear as a critic of anything” Cycle Age: July 28, 1898.
326. “Even though he loved his country and his race…” Andrew Ritchie: The Extraordinary Career of a Champion Bicycle Racer; Author Interview with Sydney Taylor Brown p. 229.
326. I don’t think her heart was in it” Ibid-p. 235.
327. “It’s the biggest job I ever tackled” Ibid-p. 234. Copy of letter to Robert Coquille, March 1923, Taylor paper’s Pittsburgh.
327. “I don’t think he made out good” Author Interview: Francis Jesse Owens: August 10, 2006.
328. “my wife” mentioned fifteen times in Taylor’s autobiography.
Major Taylor Page 49